We're Baaacckkk! College Football 2005-6 Season Thread

[duckman]

Since we are only a few days away from most colleges reporting for practice, it's a good time get this started.

Here is an article they're running for the Oklahoman about possible starting OU quarterback Paul Thompson:

OU's Thompson got a late start in the world of quarterbacking

By George Schroeder
The Oklahoman

NORMAN — Sometime that winter, he noticed, and understood. For as long as he could remember, Jason Brosie had been the quarterback. His best friend, Paul Thompson, had been the running back, sometimes the receiver.

“We tore it up,” Brosie remembered. “I threw it to him every time. I just threw it up and he’d go get it.”


But after their ninth-grade season at Leander (Texas) High School, their roles changed. No one came right out and said it. But during offseason drills, Brosie watched Thompson throwing passes, not catching them. And he knew.

“He threw it as well as I could,” Brosie said. “And he could play any position the coaches wanted him at.”

All these years later, Brosie understands why the move was made. Thompson is among three Oklahoma quarterbacks competing for the right to replace Jason White. When preseason practice begins Thursday, he’ll get the first shot.

Thompson’s best friend figures he’ll win the job.

“I wanted Paul to play quarterback (at Leander),” Brosie said. “I’m rooting for him like no other now.”

Funny thing, though. Thompson wouldn’t have been in position to assume OU’s most glamorous position if not for that long-ago role reversal. And he wasn’t initially fired up about the switch.

Mark Thompson, Paul’s father, had long noted his son’s throwing ability. He believed Paul’s athletic ability and quick mind would form a potent combination at quarterback.

“I told him, “You need to try quarterback,’” Mark Thompson said.

Said Paul: “We had a little talk. I was never against playing quarterback.”

Maybe not. But Mark Thompson said he gave a fatherly nudge, suggesting the idea to Leander’s football coaches. Without that?

“I don’t think he would have been a quarterback,” Mark Thompson said.

And perhaps not without Brosie’s blessing. He moved to free safety and watched Paul blossom. Their friendship didn’t miss a beat.

“He took it well,” Paul Thompson said. “There wasn’t even that much talk about it.”

Said Brosie: “I felt he was a good man for the position, so it wasn’t that bad.”

Thompson quickly proved to be a good fit. After learning on the job as a sophomore, Thompson compiled more than 2,000 yards as a junior. He threw for 1,600 yards and ran for 1,000 more as a senior.

“He stepped in there like he’d been playing quarterback his whole life,” Brosie said.

Soon enough, big-time colleges came calling. Only one — the nearest — didn’t offer Thompson a chance to play quarterback.

Leander, a town of 5,000, is located about 25 miles northwest of the Texas campus. After Thompson excelled at Texas’ football camp, the Longhorns grew very interested in him.

Just not as a quarterback. Mark Thompson, Paul’s father, said Longhorns offensive coordinator Greg Davis called a few days later and offered a scholarship, with one hitch.

“He said, ‘We want him to play wide receiver,’ ” Mark Thompson said.

Just two years earlier, Paul had needed persuasion to move from receiver to quarterback. He had no intention of moving back.

“I got real comfortable at quarterback,” Paul Thompson said. “I wanted to continue on.”

Jim Skinner, then Leander’s head coach (he’s now at Birdville High School in suburban Fort Worth, Texas), agreed with the decision.

“He was an excellent specimen of a quarterback,” Skinner said. “He could throw the football, he could run, he could read coverages. I thought he was a natural at quarterback, plus he had the leadership ability.

“If you’re looking for a quarterback, to me, you’re looking for a young man with a lot of character. And Paul Thompson has a tremendous amount of character. The thing that irritated me was (Texas) didn’t give him a chance.”

OU did. Like other college recruiters, OU’s coaches were impressed by Thompson’s athletic ability — he was a standout high-jumper and sprinter in high school. But Mark Thompson said offensive coordinator Chuck Long’s recruiting pitch went something like this: “If he comes here, fine. But wherever he goes, he needs to play quarterback.”

You know the rest of the story. Thompson signed with OU. As a true freshman in 2002, he was thrust into the backup’s role when White suffered his second knee injury. A year ago, he redshirted — while getting plenty of practice work — in hopes of starting for two years.

And while Thompson has exhibited patience, that hasn’t been as easy back home, according to Brosie.

“Everyone in Leander was really mad at Jason White for coming back (for a sixth season in 2004),” Brosie said.

And now, said Brosie, everyone is rooting hard for Thompson. Including, of course, Brosie.

That position switch never looked better.

“I don’t know if it was because we were good friends,” Brosie said, “or because I thought he would be a good quarterback. But it was OK. I think in the back of Paul’s mind, he always wanted to play quarterback.

“It ended up pretty good for him.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personally, I think that Paul will be the starter. He's been at the program longer, so he'll have a better understanding of Chuck Long's offense. His ability to run the ball is also a valuable asset and could help Peterson from getting keyed on during the games. It should be interesting to see if he'll be named the starter by the season opener.

[Joe]

this is the year that the Gophers beat Michigan. Mark it down.

[Airhog]

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...

[duckman]

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...
I think the team will take a step backwards this season. They've lost their starting QB, two WR's, three OL, our best pass rusher, and a record breaking return man. I think that they could lose two to four games this season depending on QB and OL play alone.

Hopefully, we can at least beat Texas, so we don't have to hear from IMTG all season. :D

[TroyF]

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...


Only idiots would bash Oklahoma after what they've done. I don't think the key is your QB this year. It's the defense. And, of course, Texas.

OU has the scheduling in their favor this year. OKState and A&M at home. They play the Huskers on the road, but I don't see the Huskers being all that special. Really, it comes down to Texas. Continue to own Mack Brown and you'll go to another title game.

Speaking of Texas, they have three very tough road games this year. At Ohio State, at Oklahoma State and at A&M. (a team they've owned of late, but one that should be improved this year)

Mack Brown runs the table this year (which I don't think he will), he'll have a pretty big STFU sign made for the world to read.

[Honolulu_Blue]

this is the year that the Gophers beat Michigan. Mark it down.
Come get it.

http://www.gophersports.com/history/mfball/Images/BrownJug.jpg

Just in case you folks over in Minnesota have forgotten what it looks like, that's The Little Brown Jug. It's been in A2 for the last, oh, 19 years...

[cthomer5000]

Yes, I'm dumb enough to think that Rutgers will finally break through and make a bowl game this year. If it's not this year, it might be never because they have a number of very talented seniors at very key positions.

[JeeberD]

UTEP will make a bowl game again this year, should win CUSA West and have an outstanding shot at winning the CUSA Championship. 9-2 in the regular season might actually be a disappointment, believe it or not...

Jordan Palmer, Heisman candidate?
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/colleges/articles/0730collegefb0730.html

[MrBug708]

I'm hoping UCLA will finally reach the potential of all the talent that has come in in the past 7 years or so.

I'm calling the upset over Oklahoma though. As long as Perkins isn't around of course...:(

[ice4277]

this is the year that the Gophers beat Michigan. Mark it down.
in hockey?

[ice4277]

dola

I'm not quite sure why Purdue is suddenly getting all sorts of love as a 'fashionable' pick in the Big Ten. Every year they are highly touted they find a way to choke it up, and I can't see picking them until they can prove otherwise.

[Joe]

As disappointed as it makes me, I think Iowa will be the team to beat in the Big Ten this year.

[ice4277]

double dola

I have high hopes for OU this year. Now that Jason White is gone, maybe one of these young QB's can lead OU to a national title. I don't really care what anyone has to say. I'd rather lose in two straight title games, then not even play in a title game. People that bash OU because of that, IMHO are jealous that their team cannot reach that level of play. I mean lets face it, you would say the same thing if your team had played for a national title 3 times in the last 5 years...
I don't think they bash OU for losing the title so much as how they got there. Many people thought last year Auburn should have gotten a shot, and the smackdown USC laid on OU is used as a pretty good example.

[ice4277]

another dola

As disappointed as it makes me, I think Iowa will be the team to beat in the Big Ten this year.
I think they definitely have a good shot. I can easily see Iowa, Michigan, and OSU in a three-way tie at the top, or something close to that.

[Noop]

Question for the OU faithful is Bomar not as good as avertised or is it Paul is just so much better? In my opinion I would go with Bomar and build for next season where AD who by that time would be a Junior can carry the offense with a experience Bomar throwing passes just to keep teams of balance. Doing this without a doubt could put them in the national championship hunt. After AD leaves you would have a very well seasoned Bomar who from all indications will likely stay at OU until his senior season. But then again I have never won a college football game so I know nothing.

[vex]

Question for the OU faithful is Bomar not as good as avertised or is it Paul is just so much better? In my opinion I would go with Bomar and build for next season where AD who by that time would be a Junior can carry the offense with a experience Bomar throwing passes just to keep teams of balance. Doing this without a doubt could put them in the national championship hunt. After AD leaves you would have a very well seasoned Bomar who from all indications will likely stay at OU until his senior season. But then again I have never won a college football game so I know nothing.
I agree, and most of the Sooner nation does as well.

[Dr. Sak]

another dola


I think they definitely have a good shot. I can easily see Iowa, Michigan, and OSU in a three-way tie at the top, or something close to that.


I really think it is Purdue, maybe just for their Big Ten Schedule alone. They do not play Michigan or Ohio State this year.

[Noop]

Also a few teams to watch out for in the next few years...

1. Tennessee - Only in there path is a very tought SEC East which has UGA and Florida.

2. Michigan - Chad Henne and Micheal Hart wow what a backfield if they can get a WR and a TE that offense will be a headache. Defense I am not worried about because they will get their share of guys.

3. Ohio State - I see a major title run next year. Way to much talent for them not to make a run at the MNC.

4. Oklahoma - I gave my reasons.

5. Iowa - I believe in Kirk Frentz this guy can coach.

----------------
This is only for the next few years and not this season.

[Swaggs]

Not a knock against USC (as I don't mind them and enjoy watching them), but am I the only one tired of hearing about them going for a three-peat? They won the BSC last season. LSU won it the year before. If USC is going to claim a partial title with LSU, then I'm sure Utah and Auburn would like a claim of last season's title.

[Tigercat]

Tenn plays LSU at Baton Rouge fairly early in the season. Even if you want to give Tennessee the advantage on the road, which I think a lot of people would disagree, I would call that a significant obstacle.

Even before UT's problems I thought we were more of a complete team talent wise, but add to the fact that the game is at home... Same with Florida, we get them at home. I think that game will be a better game than Tenn. If the coaching can do a decent enough job, I think we should be favored to win every game in the regular season. And even if one isn't convinced at how good of a HC Miles can be at the upper levels of college football, look at the entire LSU coaching staff, perhaps the best overall staff in the nation.

[Noop]

^^ You can add LSU to my list if Jemarcus gets consitent.

[MrBug708]

Not a knock against USC (as I don't mind them and enjoy watching them), but am I the only one tired of hearing about them going for a three-peat? They won the BSC last season. LSU won it the year before. If USC is going to claim a partial title with LSU, then I'm sure Utah and Auburn would like a claim of last season's title.

Swaggs, Auburn didnt win one of the "Big 2" polls last year as USC did. When USC and LSU split, LSU had the BCS/Coaches while USC was the AP

[Tigercat]

Not a knock against USC (as I don't mind them and enjoy watching them), but am I the only one tired of hearing about them going for a three-peat? They won the BSC last season. LSU won it the year before. If USC is going to claim a partial title with LSU, then I'm sure Utah and Auburn would like a claim of last season's title.

Hard to blame USC for it when the media is the one that supports it. It all started in 2003 when the media couldn't recognize the difference between being the best team in the nation and having the best season in the nation. Championships in college football have to be awarded to the best season, otherwise we would have to consider ultra talented 9-3 teams that come on strong late. Its the same reason the national media didn't give Auburn any championship cred., because they saw USC as clearly the better team, no matter if Auburn possibly had the better overall season.

[Buccaneer]

Hard to blame USC for it when the media is the one that supports it. It all started in 2003 when the media couldn't recognize the difference between being the best team in the nation and having the best season in the nation. Championships in college football have to be awarded to the best season, otherwise we would have to consider ultra talented 9-3 teams that come on strong late. Its the same reason the national media didn't give Auburn any championship cred., because they saw USC as clearly the better team, no matter if Auburn possibly had the better overall season.
So why have there been so much whining for a playoffs? There is nothing that will make having the "best season" more irrelevant - it's whoever can get hot at the end. Playoffs do not reward the team having the best season as much as a poll can (not even taking into consideration the BCS mess).

What? Too early to start the anti-playoffs debate? ;)

[PSUColonel]

Teams I feel have a real chance to improve greatly, and win and cover some games. So if you like to play NCAA football games, these are some teams I think may be undervalued early on.

1.NC State


2.Penn State


3.Kansas


4.Alabama


5.Purdue


6.Georgia


7.Georgia Tech


8. Washington St.


9.BYU


10. Wyoming

[Cuckoo]

I agree, and most of the Sooner nation does as well.

I think that the people that are torn (as I am) are so because of the loyalty factor. Paul Thompson has waited his turn and redshirted last season, and I think it will really suck for him not to get the opportunity.

In the end, I think the coaches will go with whomever gives them the best chance to win (as well they probably should). That very well may be Bomar. All indications are that he's going to be a stud. I like Thompson, but he just doesn't seem to have the talent that Bomar has.

[Cuckoo]

I don't think they bash OU for losing the title so much as how they got there. Many people thought last year Auburn should have gotten a shot, and the smackdown USC laid on OU is used as a pretty good example.

My problem with this is that by all indications OU deserved to be in the game. People can make comments certainly about the year before when OU lost the Big 12 Championship. I would agree that they didn't deserve it then.

I think OU's loss last year was monumentally embarassing, but it doesn't necessarily mean they didn't deserve to be there. By virtually all measures, they deserved to be in the game over Auburn and the result doesn't necessarily change that.

Just my $.02

[Wolfpack]

Teams I feel have a real chance to improve greatly, and win and cover some games. So if you like to play NCAA football games, these are some teams I think may be undervalued early on.

1.NC State


If our OL can stay healthy and one of our quarterbacks actually shows true skills at, say, quarterbacking a team, I'd say this is correct. We have outstanding RBs and the DL is frightening to the point we could play 6 or 7 in passing situations and still bring heat (again, Mario, please stay for your senior year!).

Another wrench is the conference schedule. There just isn't a "gimmie" on the list this year. Host VT to start the season and have to play at BC and at FSU winding out the year, along with the usual headache-inducing games in-division against Maryland, Clemson, and at Wake, plus the other games against UNC and at Tech (which has had our number for a long while now). We should theoretically win all our OOC games, but people down Raleigh-way are anxious to get past the 4-4 conference marks that has been pretty much what we've achieved under Chuck Amato since he came here.

[cartman]

Look for my comprehensive NCAA Div. 1A football preview next weekend

[duckman]

Look for my comprehensive NCAA Div. 1A football preview next weekend
Looking forward to it!

[PSUColonel]

Oh andI forgot 11. Oregon

[Swaggs]

If our OL can stay healthy and one of our quarterbacks actually shows true skills at, say, quarterbacking a team, I'd say this is correct. We have outstanding RBs and the DL is frightening to the point we could play 6 or 7 in passing situations and still bring heat (again, Mario, please stay for your senior year!).

Another wrench is the conference schedule. There just isn't a "gimmie" on the list this year. Host VT to start the season and have to play at BC and at FSU winding out the year, along with the usual headache-inducing games in-division against Maryland, Clemson, and at Wake, plus the other games against UNC and at Tech (which has had our number for a long while now). We should theoretically win all our OOC games, but people down Raleigh-way are anxious to get past the 4-4 conference marks that has been pretty much what we've achieved under Chuck Amato since he came here.

I might have to go and root against VT. :)

[PSUColonel]

Saturday, September 3rd - Virginia Tech at NC State
Virginia Tech lost three games last year. One was to eventual national champion USC in the season opener. One was to unbeaten Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. The third was a 17-16 slip against NC State thanks to a late missed field goal. The NC State defense will be every bit as strong as it was last year, but the Hokie D takes a backseat to no one. Marcus Vick will come up with a huge, and very tough, road win as the new starter.
Predicted score in late July: Virginia Tech 17 ... NC State 13
Oasis Line: Virginia Tech -2.5

[sooner333]

First off, I think OU will use two QB's early on in the season. Not necessarily a rotation, but playing at least two (i.e. Thompson and Bomar) for at least a significant period of time. This situation should be settled by the UCLA game. Stoops has pretty much said he's not opposed to a rotation, it's just not his preference. Also, both QB's will provide a versatility that hasn't been seen from an OU QB since White in '01 (except both, especially Bomar are better passers, and Thompson a faster runner than White was in '01). I expect to see a heavy Kevin Wilson influence with the sprint (spread) option (a la Northwestern with Kustok and Anderson, when Wilson was the OC there).

Also, I believe OU def. deserved to be there last year and was backed up by the polls having them at #2, although I believe all three teams had a legitimate case (playing The Citadel hurts that case though). Also, I believe OU deserved to be there in '03, where all three one-loss teams had a case to be there (the loss to KSU was bad, but each team had a loss at some point in the season and OU had shown a particular dominance earlier in the year, and we at least played a tough game against LSU).

[kingnebwsu]

I've been thinking about Ohio State's schedule since I got back from the Alamo Bowl in December :) God, that was one of the best nights of my life...just amazing. For anyone who hasn't been to a bowl game, it's one of the most surreal experiences ever. It ranks up there with the night OSU won the title in '02/'03 and the night my Wright State basketball team upset eventual champ Michigan State in 1999. Ahhh, the memories, but I digress...

Ohio State's early statement game will be the 2nd one vs Texas. Iowa is the big-ten opener (again at home), and if we can get by that, then I think a tittie run may be possible. Penn State is the 2nd Big Ten game, and it's also the first road game. Again, another test for OSU. The next road game is at Minnesota. This game scares me more since that was the game that broke up my perfect season in NCAA football. The next to last game is a revenge game vs NWestern. Last year made me wanna burn things, and hopefully the revenge factor is in full force and we whoop them by 28. 38-10 OSU...mark it down (I hope ;)). Of course, the season ends AT michigan. That's scary as hell to me.

Ohio State season summary:
11 games
FOUR road games (PSU, Indy, Minn, mich)
---
SIX "likely" wins (Miami, San Diego St, Mich St, Indy, Illini, NWest)
TWO hopefully winnable road games (PSU, Minn)
THREE scary games (vs Texas, vs Iowa, at mich...)

7-4 at absolute worst, 11-0 at absolute best.

Seriously, if we get our team together early and survive the first half of the schedule (vs TX, vs Iowa, @PSU), then I think OSU can make a title run. My goal for OSU this season? 10-2 with a mich win and a new year's day bowl. We'll see :)

[SackAttack]

11-0 at absolute best.

Uhh, Ben, I hate to break it to you, but isn't this sort of superfluous? ;)

[ice4277]

Of course, the season ends AT michigan. That's scary as hell to me.

I get the feeling with this rivalry now that the home team is going to win it consistently. Also, I don't see OSU ending with more than 2 losses. I think they are going to be a very good Big Ten team and I see them knocking off Texas. Great way to start a season, kudos to both schools for scheduling that kind of game.

[General Mike]

Yes, I'm dumb enough to think that Rutgers will finally break through and make a bowl game this year. If it's not this year, it might be never because they have a number of very talented seniors at very key positions.

I agree. Rutgers has the skill players to win, and the defense has enough athleticism that they shouldn't be as bad as they were last year.

It's not like every other team I root for doesn't let me down every year. The only team that doesn't year to year is the Devils.

[PSUColonel]

Penn State Likely has the most favorable schedle over anyone. They should get off to a 5-0 start, which would almost surely land them in a bowl at the very least.



9/3 South Florida
9/10 Cincinnati
9/17 Central Michigan
9/24 at Northwestern
10/1 Minnesota
10/8 Ohio State
10/15 at Michigan
10/22 at Illinois
10/29 Purdue
11/5 Wisconsin
11/19 at Michigan State

[Wolfpack]

...if we can get by that, then I think a tittie run may be possible.

Didn't Colorado get into some trouble with this? ;)

[Huckleberry]

There's no excuse for Texas not to win the Big XII. But there's a good reason not to expect them to do it.

f our offense

[Superman=#54]

I think Michigan St. should be an interesting team in the Big 10. I'm not saying they will win the Big 10, but I could see them pulling a few upsets. The offense looks like it will be able to put some points on the score board. The defense on the other hand... well they have 11 guys. Last year the defense was giving up an average of 25.2 points per game.

Of course the key to Sparty's success will be Sr. QB Drew Stanton. His touchdown to interception ratio was not so great last year (8-6), but other than that his passing stats are solid. He is also a threat with his legs. The problem with Stanton is keeping him healthy. He missed two games last season and in a few other games he had limited playing time due to injury. Another problem that could plague Stanton is that he has no clear #1 receiver to throw to. It also looks like the running game could be a problem unless Jehuu Caulcrick steps up to carry the load.

The key match-ups:
9/17 @ Notre Dame
10/01 Michigan
10/15 @ Ohio St.
11/05 @ Purdue
11/12 @ Minnesota

Last year they pushed Michigan to their limit at home, but came up just short in OT. Michigan and Ohio St. back to back could be a will breaker is the Spartans get spanked in consecutive games. Minnesota will want revenge after they got spanked on the road against Sparty. Again Michigan St. will have to play Minn. and Purdue in consecutive weeks. Could be tough if they lose both those games late in the season.

Their schedule is tough but if they could win 1 or 2 of those 5 games above, then they have a solid chance at 7-8 wins and a bowl birth.

BTW, I am not a Michigan St. fan, just a Big 10 fan. I grew up in Big 10 country and no matter where I move I always will be loyal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think Michigan St. should be an interesting team in the Big 10. I'm not saying they will win the Big 10, but I could see them pulling a few upsets. The offense looks like it will be able to put some points on the score board. The defense on the other hand... well they have 11 guys. Last year the defense was giving up an average of 25.2 points per game.

Of course the key to Sparty's success will be Sr. QB Drew Stanton. His touchdown to interception ratio was not so great last year (8-6), but other than that his passing stats are solid. He is also a threat with his legs. The problem with Stanton is keeping him healthy. He missed two games last season and in a few other games he had limited playing time due to injury. Another problem that could plague Stanton is that he has no clear #1 receiver to throw to. It also looks like the running game could be a problem unless Jehuu Caulcrick steps up to carry the load.

The key match-ups:
9/17 @ Notre Dame
10/01 Michigan
10/15 @ Ohio St.
11/05 @ Purdue
11/12 @ Minnesota

Last year they pushed Michigan to their limit at home, but came up just short in OT. Michigan and Ohio St. back to back could be a will breaker is the Spartans get spanked in consecutive games. Minnesota will want revenge after they got spanked on the road against Sparty. Again Michigan St. will have to play Minn. and Purdue in consecutive weeks. Could be tough if they lose both those games late in the season.

Their schedule is tough but if they could win 1 or 2 of those 5 games above, then they have a solid chance at 7-8 wins and a bowl birth.

BTW, I am not a Michigan St. fan, just a Big 10 fan. I grew up in Big 10 country and no matter where I move I always will be loyal.
I think Michigan St. has some promise as well. I think they are well situated to beat Michigan this year. They are at home. They have a mobile quaterback, assuming he's healthy. No way Michigan would have won last year if Stanton hadn't gotten injured. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Michigan cannot and never has been able to handle a mobile quaterback on a decent team. McNabb killed them. Vince Young killed them. Stanton was killing them before he went down with the shoulder.

Michigan will be vulenrable this year. The offense should be ok, even with the loss of Edwards. But the secondary was pretty suspect last, giving up a number of big plays, and it has lost a number of starters. Not good times...

[cartman]

f our offensive coordinator

There, fixed that for ya... :D

In all seriousness, if Texas doesn't run the table this year, I think it is Greg Davis' last season in Austin.

[I. J. Reilly]

Oh andI forgot 11. Oregon
Go ahead and forget it again.
They're completely retooling the offense with absolutely no talent on the offensive line and a substandard defense. I don't care how many playmakers you have on offense, this is a recipe for disaster.

[VPI97]

Saturday, September 3rd - Virginia Tech at NC State
Virginia Tech lost three games last year. One was to eventual national champion USC in the season opener. One was to unbeaten Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. The third was a 17-16 slip against NC State thanks to the Virginia Tech punter inexplicably dropping a snap at the Hokie's 5 yard line and giving the Wolfpack a gift-wrapped touchdown drive to win the game. The NC State defense will be every bit as strong as it was last year, but the Hokie D takes a backseat to no one. Marcus Vick will come up with a huge, and very tough, road win as the new starter.
Predicted score in late July: Virginia Tech 17 ... NC State 13
Oasis Line: Virginia Tech -2.5
Fixed :(

[Wolfpack]

Michigan will be vulenrable this year. The offense should be ok, even with the loss of Edwards. But the secondary was pretty suspect last, giving up a number of big plays, and it has lost a number of starters. Not good times...

You're quite possibly the only Michigan fan I've heard of who thinks this year may not turn out well. I listen to the local sports station here and they're all convinced that they should run the Big 10 and get to a BCS bowl if not the Rose Bowl. There's even some raving lunatic who all but wants Carr fired if he doesn't win a national title in short order.

I've had thoughts of calling in to remind them that their belief as to what would be a disappointment (which is apparently anything less than 10-2 right now) would be hailed as quite successful by most in the country and that they are bordering on Notre Dame fanbase territory with their delusions of what they should "get" this year and every year. Some callers obviously understand this, but others aren't nearly so.

I do like Michigan, have since a kid, but this spoiled-brat nature of expecting 10-win seasons every single year (never mind the fact that Michigan has won a national title and several Big 10 crowns since Carr took over) is started to make me rebel against it somewhat. I guess I'm just jaded and jealous since State's biggest year came back in 2002 when we went 11-3 and waxed the hell out of ND in the Gator Bowl. Other than that, State has never had a double-digit winning season, though there've been a number of close calls.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You're quite possibly the only Michigan fan I've heard of who thinks this year may not turn out well. I listen to the local sports station here and they're all convinced that they should run the Big 10 and get to a BCS bowl if not the Rose Bowl. There's even some raving lunatic who all but wants Carr fired if he doesn't win a national title in short order.

I've had thoughts of calling in to remind them that their belief as to what would be a disappointment (which is apparently anything less than 10-2 right now) would be hailed as quite successful by most in the country and that they are bordering on Notre Dame fanbase territory with their delusions of what they should "get" this year and every year. Some callers obviously understand this, but others aren't nearly so.

I do like Michigan, have since a kid, but this spoiled-brat nature of expecting 10-win seasons every single year (never mind the fact that Michigan has won a national title and several Big 10 crowns since Carr took over) is started to make me rebel against it somewhat. I guess I'm just jaded and jealous since State's biggest year came back in 2002 when we went 11-3 and waxed the hell out of ND in the Gator Bowl. Other than that, State has never had a double-digit winning season, though there've been a number of close calls.
Is that the talk back home? Wow. I mean Henne should be better. Hart was great and should improve. They lost Baas on the O-line, but Michigan can always put together an excellent offensive line with big bunch of midwest farm boys. While Avant is good receiver and Breaston has amazing speed neither of them is like Braylon Edwards. Edwards could take games over (see: Michigan State). That's pretty rare for a wideout. They will be "ok" at receiver, but they will really miss Braylon Edwards.

The defense will be suspect. Very suspect. They gave up some big plays in the Norte Dame, Ohio State, and Texas games and they lost Shazor, Marlin Jackson, and Markus Curry. They also only have one returning linebacker in McClintok.

I just don't see this team as a National Championship team. Not at all. I hope I'm wrong!

It's not that I'm not a Wolverine fan (hell, I went to school there for 7 years and lived in A2 for 8), I guess I'm just a realist. That said, they do have Norte Dame and Ohio State at home this year. But they could easily slip up against Michigan State, Wisconsion, or Iowa on the road.

Still, I think 10-2 or 9-3 is likely. Would I be happy with that? Hmmm...

I remember the 1988 Rose Bowl when Michigan State beat USC. That was great! I was actually a Sparty fan back in those days. Big time. I was only 14. I didn't know any better. :D

[MylesKnight]

UCF 2005 Football - Let's Just Win a Game

[MylesKnight]

Penn State Likely has the most favorable schedle over anyone. They should get off to a 5-0 start, which would almost surely land them in a bowl at the very least.



9/3 South Florida
9/10 Cincinnati
9/17 Central Michigan
9/24 at Northwestern
10/1 Minnesota
10/8 Ohio State
10/15 at Michigan
10/22 at Illinois
10/29 Purdue
11/5 Wisconsin
11/19 at Michigan State

My follow up question to this is, if PSU goes 5-6 or worse this year, do the powers that be finally find a way to "persuade" Joe P. to retire?

I agree that a 3-0 start should be in the works, but after that??? at NW is a toss up, and I don't see PSU favored in Happy Valley against the Gophers. The rest of the way, I only see them winning one, maybe two games (at Illinois being the easiest of the bunch).

At this point though, let's say the Lions go 6-5 and head to a minor bowl... Is this enough for JP?

[WSUCougar]

Cougs are young but loaded with potential. Lots of offensive playmakers in particular. Games should be fun to watch, at least. We could open up 5-0 with the pansy schedule of Idaho/Nevada/Grambling(yikes!)/Oregon State/Stanford. We then get serious with UCLA/Cal/USC/ASU/Oregon/UW. I’d be ecstatic splitting those final six.

[JeeberD]

I hope y'all lay a spanking on Nevada, Coug. We had a pretty fierce rivalry starting to form with them before we left the WAC...

[I. J. Reilly]

Cougs are young but loaded with potential. Lots of offensive playmakers in particular. Games should be fun to watch, at least. We could open up 5-0 with the pansy schedule of Idaho/Nevada/Grambling(yikes!)/Oregon State/Stanford. We then get serious with UCLA/Cal/USC/ASU/Oregon/UW. I’d be ecstatic splitting those final six.
Ouch, the Beavs get lumped in with Idaho and Grambling. I thought we ended that kind of talk about 8 years ago.
Seriously, this isn’t the best team we’ve ever had, but we aren’t that bad. On the road in the expanded Reser stadium, this would be a pretty good win for Wazzu.

[dawgfan]

Washington will be doing very well to win 6 and go to a minor bowl game. The preceding was a sentence that, prior to last year, I didn't ever expect to have to write, but things change when your team goes 1-10. Big questions at QB, WR and CB. The few probable strengths are RB and DL.

At least recruiting is going well so far...

[WSUCougar]

Ouch, the Beavs get lumped in with Idaho and Grambling. I thought we ended that kind of talk about 8 years ago.
Seriously, this isn’t the best team we’ve ever had, but we aren’t that bad. On the road in the expanded Reser stadium, this would be a pretty good win for Wazzu.
Agreed. I didn't mean to imply that the Beavs were that bad, merely that the early schedule made 5-0 a good possibility. I think Oregon State is definitely the toughest of those five. :cool:

Hey dawgfan, how's the Husky recruiting effort going? Haven't heard much as yet.

[Airhog]

If Texas continues to have similar success over the next 3-4 years, do you think it is likely that they fire Mack Brown? He has done well with the texas program, and they have always been right there, but at what point do you decide that he just cannot get them over the top?

Of course people might start to say the same thing about stoops and his performance in the national title game. I don't know about Mack down in Austin, but everybody really loves Stoops here in norman. Im glad that I got to see them win a title in my lifetime. Do people in austin feel the same way about Mack?

[Wolfpack]

Is that the talk back home? Wow. I mean Henne should be better. Hart was great and should improve. They lost Baas on the O-line, but Michigan can always put together an excellent offensive line with big bunch of midwest farm boys. While Avant is good receiver and Breaston has amazing speed neither of them is like Braylon Edwards. Edwards could take games over (see: Michigan State). That's pretty rare for a wideout. They will be "ok" at receiver, but they will really miss Braylon Edwards.

Generally, yes. The lead commentators are of the opinion that Henne is the best in the Big 10 and why should Mike Hart be worse than he was last year. They (and a number of callers) seem to be taking particular umbridge with all the consideration that Iowa and particularly coach Kirk Ferentz is getting. They see it rather simply as them and Ohio State for the marbles. They're also grumbling a little that Purdue caught a break in scheduling by not getting Michigan or OSU this year. I should note that the commentators every once in a while try to temper their outlook (e.g. "Can Michigan get a Rose Bowl berth this year? I don't know."), but when they talk without tempering, they seem very sold on the idea of a 10-win season and that anything less will be viewed as disappointing. It's the sort of hubris that has given me such an unabashed dislike of Notre Dame and I will find it disappointing if Michigan fans start heading down this road. There is just no appreciation of how hard this truly is by some parts of the fanbase here. (God forbid we do go to some sort of playoff system. Carr would be out on a rail in short order in that case. While coaches protest the lengthening of the season from playoffs, I imagine they also don't want to have to work that much harder to satisfy overly demanding fanbases.)

[kingnebwsu]

Penn State Likely has the most favorable schedle over anyone. They should get off to a 5-0 start, which would almost surely land them in a bowl at the very least.



9/3 South Florida
9/10 Cincinnati
9/17 Central Michigan
9/24 at Northwestern
10/1 Minnesota
10/8 Ohio State
10/15 at Michigan
10/22 at Illinois
10/29 Purdue
11/5 Wisconsin
11/19 at Michigan State


If PSU doesn't make a bowl this year, then I'll be very sad for JoePa and it should be his last year. The non-conf's should be W's, then Illini/NW should be W's and one more win needed for a bowl. Purdue&Minny at home...one should be a win. We'll see though.

[dawgfan]

Hey dawgfan, how's the Husky recruiting effort going? Haven't heard much as yet.

Great actually, and surprisingly so considering the 1-10 record and the reports from Notre Dame fans that Ty isn't much of a recruiter.

Our commits so far (all rankings and stars by Scout.com):
QB Jake Locker, Ferndale H.S. (Ferndale, WA) - 4 stars, #7 QB nationally
RB James Montgomery, Cordova H.S. (Rancho Cordova, CA) - 4 stars, #16 RB nationally
DT Cameron Elisara, Joel E. Farris H.S. (Spokane, WA) - 4 stars, #9 DT nationally
OT Ryan Tolar, Pasco H.S. (Pasco, WA) - 3 stars

Locker just commited yesterday, a huge get for the Huskies - he just returned from the EA Elite 11 QB camp and had offers from Michigan, USC, Cal and basically the rest of the Pac-10. The Huskies needed a QB after Matt Tuiasosopo decided to play baseball last year. Montgomery is regarded as one of the top RB in California. Elisara, besides being highly rated, is also the son of former Cougar great Matt Elisara from the early '80's and a nice steal of a guy right in WSU's back yard. Same with Ryan Tolar.

The Huskies are also top candidates to land the top-2 players in the state, WR/S Taylor Mays (son of former Husky DT Stafford Mays) and OL Steve Schilling out of Bellevue H.S. Both of these guys sport offers from USC, Michigan and Miami (FL) among others, and both are decent to good bets to pick the UW.

Contrary to the talk around Ty from Notre Dame, he seems to really be striking a positive chord with a lot of recruits. I was skeptical of the Ty hire when it happened, and I still have some concerns about his record, but I'll give credit where credit is due - he hasn't lost any of his top targets yet in recruiting and has signed 4 of them so far, a great start.

[WSUCougar]

Great actually, and surprisingly so considering the 1-10 record and the reports from Notre Dame fans that Ty isn't much of a recruiter.

Our commits so far (all rankings and stars by Scout.com):
QB Jake Locker, Ferndale H.S. (Ferndale, WA) - 4 stars, #7 QB nationally
RB James Montgomery, Cordova H.S. (Rancho Cordova, CA) - 4 stars, #16 RB nationally
DT Cameron Elisara, Joel E. Farris H.S. (Spokane, WA) - 4 stars, #9 DT nationally
OT Ryan Tolar, Pasco H.S. (Pasco, WA) - 3 stars

Locker just commited yesterday, a huge get for the Huskies - he just returned from the EA Elite 11 QB camp and had offers from Michigan, USC, Cal and basically the rest of the Pac-10. The Huskies needed a QB after Matt Tuiasosopo decided to play baseball last year. Montgomery is regarded as one of the top RB in California. Elisara, besides being highly rated, is also the son of former Cougar great Matt Elisara from the early '80's and a nice steal of a guy right in WSU's back yard. Same with Ryan Tolar.

The Huskies are also top candidates to land the top-2 players in the state, WR/S Taylor Mays (son of former Husky DT Stafford Mays) and OL Steve Schilling out of Bellevue H.S. Both of these guys sport offers from USC, Michigan and Miami (FL) among others, and both are decent to good bets to pick the UW.

Contrary to the talk around Ty from Notre Dame, he seems to really be striking a positive chord with a lot of recruits. I was skeptical of the Ty hire when it happened, and I still have some concerns about his record, but I'll give credit where credit is due - he hasn't lost any of his top targets yet in recruiting and has signed 4 of them so far, a great start.
Nice job landing Locker - hadn't heard that one yet. We definitely had our eyes on him although I'm pretty comfortable at QB for the near future.

Elisara is a nice grab for you guys but I should point out that we didn't offer to him. I think the consensus feeling was that he just wasn't the right fit for us so we didn't push for him. That's not sour grapes, just what I've read.

[Honolulu_Blue]

It's the sort of hubris that has given me such an unabashed dislike of Notre Dame and I will find it disappointing if Michigan fans start heading down this road. There is just no appreciation of how hard this truly is by some parts of the fanbase here. (God forbid we do go to some sort of playoff system. Carr would be out on a rail in short order in that case. While coaches protest the lengthening of the season from playoffs, I imagine they also don't want to have to work that much harder to satisfy overly demanding fanbases.)
I agree. It's also why I hate Notre Dame so much. Then again, I am positive you ask any Sparty out there and they'll we've been heading down that road since 1817!! :D

[Wolfpack]

I can actually relate to Spartan fans a little more than Wolverine fans, actually. I grew up with mostly UNC fans in my hometown and they were the worst winners, it seemed (I'm sure an opinion of UM fans that MSU fans have). NC State and MSU are also kindred ag-and-tech land grants while UNC and Michigan are both blue-blooded medical-business-law-liberal arts schools.

Be that as it may, I've always appreciated the pageantry of Michigan football. I can't say I'm a fan of Michigan, though, and frankly, I just starve for crumbs of ACC sports during the fall and winter while living here in Ann Arbor. I imagine you're the same way wading through all the East Coast coverage of pro and college teams for morsels of news from home. :)

[kingfc22]

Go Blue!!!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Be that as it may, I've always appreciated the pageantry of Michigan football. I can't say I'm a fan of Michigan, though, and frankly, I just starve for crumbs of ACC sports during the fall and winter while living here in Ann Arbor. I imagine you're the same way wading through all the East Coast coverage of pro and college teams for morsels of news from home. :)
Yes. It kills me at times. The NFL coverage: two Sunday afternoon games, one a Redskins game, the other a Ravens game, is just painful. Thank god for the Sunday Ticket. But nothing is as bad as getting excited about some decent Big Ten football matchup, say a Michigan vs. Iowa game, only to find to some horrid Duke v. UNC game on. Duke v. UNC, an interesting basketball game, for sure. But just a horrible, horrible football game. Man, do I hate that. Enjoy your time in Ann Arbor! Bask in the glory of Big Ten football (not to mention local Wings and Lions coverage! :) )

[henry296]

Yes. It kills me at times. The NFL coverage: two Sunday afternoon games, one a Redskins game, the other a Ravens game, is just painful. Thank god for the Sunday Ticket. But nothing is as bad as getting excited about some decent Big Ten football matchup, say a Michigan vs. Iowa game, only to find to some horrid Duke v. UNC game on. Duke v. UNC, an interesting basketball game, for sure. But just a horrible, horrible football game. Man, do I hate that. Enjoy your time in Ann Arbor! Bask in the glory of Big Ten football (not to mention local Wings and Lions coverage! :) )

Agreed. One of the biggest changes I dealt with moving to Baltimore from Pittsburgh was missing many a Big 10 3:30 game on ABC in order to watch Clemson vs. Virginia or UNC.

[Wolfpack]

Funny, I feel the same way whenever there could be a chance to see FSU-NC State (or similar) and I get Indiana-Northwestern. :)

[dawgfan]

Nice job landing Locker - hadn't heard that one yet. We definitely had our eyes on him although I'm pretty comfortable at QB for the near future.

Elisara is a nice grab for you guys but I should point out that we didn't offer to him. I think the consensus feeling was that he just wasn't the right fit for us so we didn't push for him. That's not sour grapes, just what I've read.

Elisara is an interesting case. I'm curious why Doba hadn't offered him yet, given that he had offers from LSU, Nebraska, Cal, ASU, Oregon, Stanford and Arizona. Maybe they didn't think he was a good fit, and maybe they knew they weren't going to get him so they didn't prioritize trying to change his mind. A rumor that was making the rounds on the Husky boards was that Cameron's brother, who is/was a walk-on on the Cougars wasn't getting along with the coaches or was in some way unhappy, and that perhaps that was a factor in the situation. I know his parents were vocal in saying after he committed that they were pushing for Stanford over the UW, though I don't think they'll seriously try to undermine his decision - I think that was more the Cougar fans in them trying to come to grips with their son choosing the Huskies.

Locker was a huge get. We didn't sign a QB last year with Matt Tuiasosopo choosing to sign with the M's, and Locker is a threat to do the same - he's also considered a pretty good baseball prospect and will get drafted, though it's unclear if he's as highly regarded as Matt was. I think the Huskies will need to hedge their bets and see if they can get another QB prospect as a possible greyshirt candidate if Locker comes, and offer him if Locker signs with baseball.

Side note you might appreciate - I was best man in a wedding this past weekend. The groom is a WSU alum, and he and I usually make Apple Cup bets. This last one we decided that whoever lost the bet would have to drop his pants at the wedding to show he was wearing boxer shorts from the other school. Now I've got some Cougar boxer shorts that I had to buy but will never wear again...

[Ksyrup]

I'm predicting 7-4 or 8-3 for FSU's regular season. The people around here are predicting 9-2 or 10-1 (and of course the nutcases are predicting 11-0), but I don't see this team beating Miami (pick against FSU until they prove they can win) or Florida (at UF), and with either one of two redshirt freshman QBs, I have to expect a couple of Chris Rix Moments will blow one or two sure wins. The positive to this year is that we have likely QB development to look forward to, regardless of who starts. It's like a new leash on life - No More Rix! No More Rix!

[Noop]

I'm predicting 7-4 or 8-3 for FSU's regular season. The people around here are predicting 9-2 or 10-1 (and of course the nutcases are predicting 11-0), but I don't see this team beating Miami (pick against FSU until they prove they can win) or Florida (at UF), and with either one of two redshirt freshman QBs, I have to expect a couple of Chris Rix Moments will blow one or two sure wins. The positive to this year is that we have likely QB development to look forward to, regardless of who starts. It's like a new leash on life - No More Rix! No More Rix!
In my personal opinion trying to be as unbias as possible. 10-3(We lose to both instate rivals and lose in the ACC championship game to Virgina Tech or Miami doesn't matter because we will blow this game) Now we will likely be in the Gator Bowl which mean we will end the season 11-3. And poised to make a serious run for the national title the following season. One more point a part of me wants to say we beat either Miami or Florida and lose only 2 games the whole season. But there are far to many factors in which we won't beat either. As the season progresses things can change for the good or bad...

[Superman=#54]

Jeesh! How many years did Rix play at FSU 7-8 years. :D It seemed like he was there forever. Maybe it was because watching him play quaterback was so painful. :p

[Superman=#54]

Dola

Who are your favorites to win the Heisman this year?

I really like Matt Leinart to be the front runner from the beginning to end of the season. Reggie Bush will also have good numbers for the Trojans this season, but I take the QB over the RB. Hopefully Leinart doesn't come down with the Jason White Syndrome.

Vince Young has a lot of expectations to live up to this season after his amazing Rose Bowl(?) performance. We all know he can run the ball, but can he effectively move the ball through the air?

Other players receiving pre-season Heisman buzz: Laurence Maroney, Adrian Peterson, Chris Leak, Ted Ginn, Drew Tate, DeAngelo Williams, Chad Henne, Michael Hart, Marcus Vick... blah blah blah

Any guys you think are for sure locks to win the Heisman?

[vex]

My Top 4 are (in no particular order)

Leinart
Bush
Peterson
Ginn

I think it'll be really close for these four, then everyone else far behind.

[duckman]

My Top 4 are:(in no particular order)

Leinart
Bush
Peterson
Ginn

I think it'll be really close for these four, and a toss-up for 5th for everyone else.May want to turn smilies off. ;)

[vex]

May want to turn smilies off. ;)Yeah, I saw that:)

Post Editor!:P

[bronconick]

In my personal opinion trying to be as unbias as possible. 10-3(We lose to both instate rivals and lose in the ACC championship game to Virgina Tech or Miami doesn't matter because we will blow this game) Now we will likely be in the Gator Bowl which mean we will end the season 11-3. And poised to make a serious run for the national title the following season. One more point a part of me wants to say we beat either Miami or Florida and lose only 2 games the whole season. But there are far to many factors in which we won't beat either. As the season progresses things can change for the good or bad...
The Miami game is going to be another offensive clunker of a game, I think.

Miami- Kyle Wright's first start on the road at a rival
FSU- Two redshirt freshman qb's.

History says that Miami will make one or two big offensive plays and wins 17-7 or so. FSU's only chance is if Xavier starts channelling Charlie Ward and creates offense where there is none.

Florida? Forget it. This one might be as bad as the 2001 trip to BHG stadium.

4 of 5 road games are possiblities for losses.

at Boston College
at Virginia
at Clemson
at Florida.

I'm pretty sure they'll handle Duke.

Just, please, let the quarterbacks progress as the season goes on. Show it was Rix and not our offensive coaching staff.

[vex]

Great first day of practice for the Sooners:) Can't wait for the season to start.

[duckman]

Great first day of practice for the Sooners:) Can't wait for the season to start.
Did you go?

[vex]

Oh no, I'm stuck up north, was at work anyways. Soonersports.com has 100 pics though of practice. PM me if you want me to send you about 10 different practice reports:)

[duckman]

Oh no, I'm stuck up north, was at work anyways. Soonersports.com has 100 pics though of practice. PM me if you want me to send you about 10 different practice reports:)
Sweet! :)

[Airhog]

I may try to go to one of the scrimmages. Only chance I will get to see them in person this year, unless I happen to win tickets at work. This guy I work with actually won the Texas-OU tickets, and he gave them up, cause he was too cheap to go! GRRR.

[vex]

I'm going to the OU/Tulsa game, yay:)


For anyone looking for a laugh, here is OU's punter(on the left) and kicker. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

http://sooner.nmn.speedera.net/pics25/400/IL/ILQIODEOPRPSLUH.20050805002158.jpg

[JeeberD]

According to the El Paso media, true freshman QB Brandis Dew (whom USC wanted to play DT) has worked hard over the summer and gained 30 pounds of muscle. He's now 6'6 285 lbs! I wanna see some puny little linebacker try to bring him down...he'll it's gonna take an entire d-line to sack him!

[duckman]

http://sooner.nmn.speedera.net/pics25/400/IL/ILQIODEOPRPSLUH.20050805002158.jpg
Is he having twins? :D

[cartman]

If Texas continues to have similar success over the next 3-4 years, do you think it is likely that they fire Mack Brown? He has done well with the texas program, and they have always been right there, but at what point do you decide that he just cannot get them over the top?

Of course people might start to say the same thing about stoops and his performance in the national title game. I don't know about Mack down in Austin, but everybody really loves Stoops here in norman. Im glad that I got to see them win a title in my lifetime. Do people in austin feel the same way about Mack?

If Texas continues to win 10 games per season, Mack Brown isn't going anywhere. He has turned the football program into a cash cow, which the administration loves. So as long as the boosters keep funneling cash into the dowry, they'll keep him around. It took Bobby Bowden 17 years to win a national championship at Florida State, you didn't hear a mob of people calling for him to get canned when Florida and Miami were winning NCs in the 80s.

[Tigercat]

Coaches poll is out:

1. Southern California (13-0)
2. Texas (11-1)
3. Tennessee (10-3)
4. Michigan (9-3)
5. Oklahoma (12-1)
6. LSU (9-3)
7. Virginia Tech (10-3)
8. Miami (Fla.) (9-3)
9. Ohio State (8-4)
10. Iowa (10-2)
11. Florida (7-5)
12. Florida State (9-3)
13. Georgia (10-2)
14. Louisville (11-1)
15. Auburn (13-0)
16. Purdue (7-5)
17. Texas A&M (7-5)
18. Arizona State (9-3)
19. Boise State (11-1)
20. California (10-2)
21. Texas Tech (8-4)
22. Boston College (9-3)
23. Virginia (8-4)
24. Alabama (6-6)
25. Pittsburgh (8-4)

Others receiving votes
Fresno State (9-3) 188; Oregon (5-6) 145; Utah (12-0) 103; Georgia Tech (7-5) 88; Wisconsin (9-3) 79; North Carolina State (5-6) 69; Bowling Green (9-3) 63; Penn State (4-7) 44; Colorado (8-5) 40; Minnesota (7-5) 34; UCLA (6-6) 24; Texas-El Paso (8-4) 22; Nebraska (5-6) 21; Kansas State (4-7) 20; South Carolina (6-5) 16; Notre Dame (6-6) 13; West Virginia (8-4) 12; Wyoming (7-5) 12; Clemson (6-5) 9; New Mexico (7-5) 9; Arizona (3-8) 8; Northern Illinois (9-3) 8; Southern Mississippi (7-5) 7; Toledo (9-4) 7; Washington State (5-6) 7; Iowa State (7-5) 6; Michigan State (5-7) 6; Memphis (8-4) 5; Washington (1-10) 4; Miami (Ohio) (8-5) 3; Maryland (5-6) 2; UAB (7-5) 1; Duke (2-9) 1; Kansas (4-7) 1.

[Tigercat]

Dola, good to see Meyer hype isn't being universally bought into. Thinking a coach that still has that much to prove is the next Spurrier and can bring a team from 7-5 to NC contender in his first year is beyond insane. Iowa is better than their ranking. Duke and Kansas with votes? Someone has been watching too much college basketball.

[duckman]

Coaches poll is out:

1. Southern California (13-0)
2. Texas (11-1)
3. Tennessee (10-3)
4. Michigan (9-3)
5. Oklahoma (12-1)
6. LSU (9-3)
7. Virginia Tech (10-3)
8. Miami (Fla.) (9-3)
9. Ohio State (8-4)
OU is ranked too high, IMO.

[Tigercat]

OU is ranked too high, IMO.

Yea I would have just about swapped Iowa and Oklahoma. I can't imagine that many people voting Oklahoma in the top 5 for them to be that high. You figure quite a few had to have Oklahoma anywhere from 8-14, so how many voted Oklahoma as a top 2-4 team alongside Texas? Some coaches must really like the Big 12.

[TazFTW]

Hawaii will win 1 game! At least!

[I. J. Reilly]

Coaches poll is out:

Others receiving votes
Fresno State (9-3) 188; Oregon (5-6) 145; Utah (12-0) 103; Georgia Tech (7-5) 88; Wisconsin (9-3) 79; North Carolina State (5-6) 69; Bowling Green (9-3) 63; Penn State (4-7) 44; Colorado (8-5) 40; Minnesota (7-5) 34; UCLA (6-6) 24; Texas-El Paso (8-4) 22; Nebraska (5-6) 21; Kansas State (4-7) 20; South Carolina (6-5) 16; Notre Dame (6-6) 13; West Virginia (8-4) 12; Wyoming (7-5) 12; Clemson (6-5) 9; New Mexico (7-5) 9; Arizona (3-8) 8; Northern Illinois (9-3) 8; Southern Mississippi (7-5) 7; Toledo (9-4) 7; Washington State (5-6) 7; Iowa State (7-5) 6; Michigan State (5-7) 6; Memphis (8-4) 5; Washington (1-10) 4; Miami (Ohio) (8-5) 3; Maryland (5-6) 2; UAB (7-5) 1; Duke (2-9) 1; Kansas (4-7) 1.
Who says college coaches don't have a sense of humor.

[moriarty]

Who says college coaches don't have a sense of humor.

Who the hell voted for Duke? Too bad they don't release the votes for these things.

[vex]

Who the hell voted for Duke? Too bad they don't release the votes for these things.
What I was wondering. Must be an Alumni.

[henry296]

Who the hell voted for Duke? Too bad they don't release the votes for these things.

Perhaps it was a protest vote by a coach who wishes they would release the votes to the public.

[Superman=#54]

#3 Tennessee

Slightly over rated.

Their defensive line is beastly. The offensive line has been killed by pre-season injuries. The starting center and guard have been lost for the season. If Gerald Riggs is to have a successful season the back-ups better be damn good.

The Vols have depth at all the skill positions, but at receiver they have no one who has had a really big season before. Lots of potential, but not a lot of numbers.

I really love the Vols' D-line. Haralson, Harrell, Mahelona, and Hall. 3 Seniors and a Junior. Mahelona will be a first round pick in next year's NFL draft. The linebacking core is solid. It is the defensive backfield that scares me. They allowed 236.38 pass yards per game that was good for last in the SEC in pass defense. I do not see their pass defense getting any better this year.

Key Match-ups
9/17 @ Florida
9/24 @ LSU
10/8 Georgia
10/22 @ Alabama
11/5 @ Notre Dame

Notre Dame was an aberration last season when they lost to them, 17-13. This time they go to the golden dome. Florida is the early season test which will show if Tennessee is a pretender or contender. Follow that up with a battle with LSU. After the Georgia game the schedule gets much easier. Are the Vols top 3? Maybe. Top 5? Probaly. Top 10? Definitely.

[HomerJSimpson]

Top 10? Definitely.


Really? Tennessee in on one of those years that could go either way. I could see them end in the top 5, and I could also see them fall badly and barely hit the top 25. They are in a situation much like Auburn 2 years ago where they have a lot of talent, but they have enougth question marks (esp. on the offensive line) where they could fail miserably.

[Wolfpack]

Who the hell voted for Duke? Too bad they don't release the votes for these things.

I've always heard that Spurrier always voted for Duke #25 whenever he did the poll. Can't remember the specific reason, but he did like his time there before going to Florida.

[duckman]

Looks like OU may use as many as half of their freshmen this season. Reggie Smith may get one of the starting cornerback spots.

[vex]

Looks like OU may use as many as half of their freshmen this season. Reggie Smith may get one of the starting cornerback spots.
Actually, he's at safety now.

[Tigercat]

Alley Broussard, RB LSU is out for the year with a knee injury in a scrimmage today. The bad news is, IMO, he was the best RB we have. The good news is we still have guys like Justin Vincent and Joseph Addai, both of which could start almost anywhere. Its just a shame to lose a guy that talented for the entire year.

[dawgfan]

Who says college coaches don't have a sense of humor.

Wow, I didn't realize Willingham was a voter this year... ;)

[timmynausea]

Who the hell voted for Duke? Too bad they don't release the votes for these things.

I've heard that Spurrier has always voted for Duke. He coached there before moving on to Florida.

Edit:(Somehow I missed the post where this was already mentioned, but yeah... I've also heard that.)

[WSUCougar]

Early polls = ludicrous

Hey, somebody had to say it, right?

By the way, the Cougars just landed a verbal on 4-star recruit Andy Mattingly out of Mead HS in Spokane. Nice to grab an in-state stud. He's rated #11 safety in the nation, although he's big (6-4) and may play LB.

[vex]

Here is OU's intro video this year, right click and save

http://x502.putfile.com/videos/22915182013.mov

[Cuckoo]

Here is OU's intro video this year, right click and save

http://x502.putfile.com/videos/22915182013.mov

That gets me pumped up for the season. :)

[SnDvls]

here's ASU's this year

http://www.asuathleticsmarketing.com/05com.html

[Cuckoo]

Looks like Thompson will be the starter for OU.

Announced today:




The Oklahoman

Paul Thompson will be Oklahoma's starting quarterback when the Sooners open Sept. 3 against Texas Christian, OU coach Bob Stoops announced Thursday evening.

Stoops said Thompson would start, but added Rhett Bomar will also play. The two quarterbacks have battled throughout spring drills and OU's preseason camp for the right to replace OU career passing leader and 2003 Heisman Trophy winner Jason White.

[duckman]

Looks like Thompson will be the starter for OU.
They went with the safe pick. It doesn't suprise me though since he was a little better at not turning the ball over during the scrimmages.

[vex]

O.M.G. OU's starting RT, Akim Millington, has just quit. 3 days before the season opener.

<NOBR>http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/edoom/microwave.gif</NOBR>

[Cuckoo]

O.M.G. OU's starting RT, Akim Millington, has just quit. 3 days before the season opener.


Wow, wonder what kind of person it takes to do something like this. Rumor is he's tired of taking medication and being sore all the time or something like that. I don't know if he has some kind of condition, but isn't being sore part of the game?

I don't know much about the kid, but it just seems strange to me to work that hard, earn a spot on a top college team, and then quit 3 days before your debut on national television. :confused:

The word is that Messner and he weren't too far apart so I don't think it'll be a huge loss. It's just strange for sure.

[vex]

From OU pay site:

Just off the phone with sources close to the situation at Oklahoma. And here is the latest. It's possibly very good news for the Sooners.

Akim Millington is on the verge of rejoining the Sooner program after talking things over with family members. Millington will not be back at practice today, but will rejoin the team tomorrow contingent on a meeting with the OU coaching staff.

As far as the he said, she said part of this. Millington wants to talk things over with the staff. Obviously there are some hurt feelings about some things. I've even been told there is a little regret on both sides of the fence over some things that have happened.

But sources say Millington probably will not play on Saturday regardless of whether the meeting goes well or not. But it does appear the fences are on the verge of being mended and that Millington will rejoin the Sooners on Friday.

[RendeR]

I love Ohio State, but I've been dissapointed too many times in the past to be all hyped about the season. honestly, IS the team THAT good? I hadn't heard much at all about them until I watched the ESPNU college preview show and they were talking about a National Title???

What is the general concsensus?

[DeToxRox]

I love Ohio State, but I've been dissapointed too many times in the past to be all hyped about the season. honestly, IS the team THAT good? I hadn't heard much at all about them until I watched the ESPNU college preview show and they were talking about a National Title???

What is the general concsensus?

Keep in mind I am a Michigan fan but ..

I am not sold on OSU. Yes, amazing D. But their offense didn't do much till the end of last year, and even then, that was vs a Michigan team that could not stop a running QB. They still have HUGE question marks running the ball, and although their WR's are great, Zwick and Smith have to prove they can consistently get them the ball.

And keep in mind they have no Mike Nugent. That's going to be huge.

With that said, I think they can win the Big 10. It'll be between them and Michigan, if Michigan's D shows up.

Iowa will also be in the hunt, and Purdue is going to blow it like always.

[TazFTW]

Well Oregon is not looking good.

[JonInMiddleGA]

1st qtr score
Vandy 3 - Wake Forest 3

[Honolulu_Blue]

I love Ohio State,
What is the general concsensus?
You are not well in the head. Do not love Ohio State, love Michigan. It is simple and will cure all the ills of your life.

[Noop]

Ohio State has alot of talent but I see them losing atleast two games this season.

[TazFTW]

Well Oregon is not looking good.
:rolleyes:

Not anymore. Stupid Houston D.

[TazFTW]

w00t! Stupid Oregon D!

[ISiddiqui]

WOW! Spurrier ball comes to South Carolina. Yes, it is against UCF, but it looks like a very potent passing offense so far (1 drive, though).

[Easy Mac]

At least this team will be exciting to watch for once.

[ISiddiqui]

Hmm... either UCF is either THAT bad, or South Carolina has gotten THAT good... or a combo of both.

14-0, 7:17 left in the 1st Q.

[TazFTW]

Considering UCF lost every game last season, I would think they are that bad.

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, but getting blown out by South Carolina? That's another level of suck... any other year, I guess ;).

[ISiddiqui]

Er... forget what I said earlier about South Carolina ;).

[cthomer5000]

UCF is showing a lot of heart, and that QB looks great to me.

Myles Knight still hanging around here? or was that self-imposed exile permanent?

[sovereignstar]

Maroney starts the Gophers season with a 60+ yard TD run. Nice!

[cthomer5000]

UCF: Thank you for covering the spread.

[vex]

Comon TU.

[sovereignstar]

Add a 73-yarder.

[JeeberD]

I'm still mad at Tulsa for beating us last year, but I guess I have to root for our conference mate...

[General Mike]

Poor Temple.

[vex]

TU's QB sucks. Bad.

[sovereignstar]

TU's QB sucks. Bad.

Well, you might be in luck then. Doesn't look like he'll be on the field the next time out.

[Easy Mac]

FU ALL THE TIME!!!!
No one really cares but me, but Furman just beat Jacksonville State on a last second (literally), 4th down TD pass.

Ingle Martin will win the Heisman and is the QB Urban Meyer wishes he still had at Florida.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Go Paladins !
(Kinda weird to see that sort of shootout though)

[kingnebwsu]

OSU for a tittie?...that'd be amazing. I'm hoping for a 10-2 season for OSU. I know I'm one of the "crazy" fans expecting a 10-win season, but whatever. Last season I was hoping for 8-4/7-5 for tOSU and they got pretty close. I'll definitely take last year as a rebuilding year (with a win vs michigan and an amazing blowout of Ok. St...one of the best nights of my life at the alamo dome!). Hopefully OSU can hang around their games and kick some ass. They have the schedule to compete for a tittie, but a tough game vs Texas in week two is frightening. Not to mention the fact that the entire backfield is a questionmark. We'll see what happens.

GO BUCKS!!!

[Young Drachma]

How do you all think Wyoming will fare against Florida?

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

I seriously think that Notre Dame will win at least 8 games this year. They weren't far off from a 9 win season last year. The offense was a little too conservative last campaign. Lets hope Weis can revive the Irish Offense.

[cthomer5000]

I have to say I'm hating the spread of instant replay. One of the reasons I love college football is the pace of the game - it moves much faster than an NFL game... now we're seeing delays all over the place just like the pro game.

[henry296]

I have to say I'm hating the spread of instant replay. One of the reasons I love college football is the pace of the game - it moves much faster than an NFL game... now we're seeing delays all over the place just like the pro game.

Even before Instant Reply, I felt the exact opposite. I think the first half last night took an hour 45 minutes. The typical college is over 3.5 hours compared to 3 hours for an NFL game.

[RendeR]

You are not well in the head. Do not love Ohio State, love Michigan. It is simple and will cure all the ills of your life.


I would rather saw off both testicles with a dull butter knife, sautee them in motor oil and ingest each bit by bit than EVER, I repeat EVER say something nice about the girlie-men in MAIZE and blue.

MAIZE...I mean W T F?? You can't even come up witha real color? you gotta backhandly steal a native american term to feel special with the color scheme?

Michigan sucks. Learn it, Live it, love it.


*Grins* :cool:

[cthomer5000]

Even before Instant Reply, I felt the exact opposite. I think the first half last night took an hour 45 minutes. The typical college is over 3.5 hours compared to 3 hours for an NFL game.
Well, it depends on how you're viewing it. There are more plays in a college game and less time between plays. Plus the whole first down stopping the clock while they move the chains thing.

The games may take a little longer start to finish, but much more of it is actually play.

[Wolfpack]

Now, now boys. It's only September. If you keep this up, you'll have nothing left to ridicule each other with when the actual rivalry week gets here. :D

[TazFTW]

I have to say I'm hating the spread of instant replay. One of the reasons I love college football is the pace of the game - it moves much faster than an NFL game... now we're seeing delays all over the place just like the pro game.
You should watch the WAC, we're one of two conferences that has no form of instant replay.

[RendeR]

Now, now boys. It's only September. If you keep this up, you'll have nothing left to ridicule each other with when the actual rivalry week gets here. :D

I assume yer talking about the OSU/Maize-poopoo rivalry with this?


ITS ALWAYS RIVALRY WEEK FOR US!.


;)

[Wolfpack]

Yeah, I know, I just don't want this thread to turn into nothing but "Michigan sucks!" "Ohio State sucks!" all the time. :D

[RendeR]

Yeah, I know, I just don't want this thread to turn into nothing but "Michigan sucks!" "Ohio State sucks!" all the time. :D
:D

[Galaxy]

Anyone watching Arizona-Utah (ESPN)? Arizona is putting together a comeback.

[ice4277]

Poop, CMU lost to Indiana:(

[Swaggs]

Hey guys, if anyone cares to do a loose, unorganized game of pick'em, check out our predictions on Smart Guys Sports here: http://vtbub.com/index.php?p=366&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

and enter your picks in the comments. We'll track them through the year.

[ISiddiqui]

So far I'm liking the instant replay. It's already reversed botched calls.

[JeeberD]

Tonight is the night that the Miners kick some serious NMSUx ass! The Aggs are going DOWN!!!!!